Top 5 things to do in Terchová, Slovakia

We have already mentioned Terchová in one of our previous posts on Slovakia. However, we feel that a special place like this deserves more space than a just few lines in an article. It is an excellent idea for a weekend getaway. We would like to suggest to you top 5 things to do in Terchová. Prepare your hiking boots and let’s go!

Terchova – view from the panoramic point

To get to Terchová you can either go by car in the direction of Žilina (considering Bratislava the starting point) or by train. If you decide to go by train you will have to get off in Žilina, walk around 5 minutes to the bus station and then take a local bus. The whole journey will last around 3-4 hours but it is quite comfortable.

Situated in the Malá Fatra National Park, Terchová is a cultural centre and a starting point to several marvelous places in the mountains.

1. Check the statue of Jánošík

Sunset at the Jánošík statue

If you visit Terchová it is very important to know something about the Slovak national hero Jánošík. He was born in Terchová in 1688 and he has a special meaning for all Slovaks. The legend says that he robbed the rich and gave to the poor (he is sometimes called the Robin Hood of Slovakia). He later became a symbol of resistance to oppression. Moreover, at the end of World War II one of the Slovak partisan groups fighting against Nazis bore his name.

It seems only natural that there is a huge metal statue in Terchová dedicated to Jánošík. Checking out this statue is one of the things to do in Terchová not only because you will get a better look at the guy but also because it is a great panoramic point. If the weather is nice you can watch a wonderful mountain sunset above the roofs of the village.

Jánošík boot!

2. Explore Jánošíkove Diery

Jánošík used to hide in the surrounding mountains and gorges and his “routes” are now accessible to the public. The gorges have all been secured with ropes, ladders and bridges and have become a popular hiking place. The easiest place for you to start from is the Hotel Diery with a huge parking lot and a great restaurant offering local dishes.

Janosikove Diery

Don’t forget to bring proper hiking boots since the paths can get a little slippery. Of course we wouldn’t want you to get hurt. It is also good to know that some of the routes are only one way for several reasons. Many of them are very narrow so only person at a time can pass and it can seriously block the flow. You say: ok, so I will just wait, but we know what we’re talking about.

Jánošíkove Diery can get pretty crowded in the summer and you could wait forever :D. Another reason is that at certain points it could become very dangerous to go back. However, there are several alternative routes that are very comfortable so don’t worry about getting stuck!

3. Take a cable car from Vrátna and go hiking

Vratna – start point

Terchová offers a lot of hiking possibilities. We recommend you to go to Vrátna (that changes into a ski resort in winter) and take a cable car. It is a very panoramic ride and definitely one of the top things to do in Terchová. Once you are on top you can have a coffee and enjoy the view. You can also choose one of the routes that start from there.

Anywhere you go we can guarantee that you will experience incredible scenery. In case you want something challenging choose the route Chleb – Poludňový Grúň which includes walking along breathtaking mountain ridges. Another option is visiting Chata pod Chlebom which is a mountain shelter where you can have a nice lunch (go for the super tasty ram goulash!).

Beautiful Landscape on the top

4. Eat all you can

A lot of people agree that one of the top things to do in Terchová is to eat. It is a region of sheeps so expect to find dairy products in a lot of dishes. As a starter you can try smoked or fresh korbáčiky and different types of sheep cheese.

The most popular is definitely bryndza: a kind of salted sheep curd. You will find it in the dishes such us bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with bryndza and fried bacon) or bryndzové pirohy (the Slovak version of ravioli filled with bryndza and served with bacon or fried onion). Cabbage is also frequently used in the local cuisine. You can have a bowl of cabbage soup or potato dumplings with cabbage.

Halusky

There is one important thing you should know about Terchová. Anywhere you go the portions will be generous and the dishes are not exactly for those on diet. Be careful about how much food you order!

5. Buy yourself some winter supplies

Ok, this place is not exactly in Terchová but it is closer than you think anyway. In the previous paragraph we mentioned that this region is famous for sheep milk products. There is a place between Terchová and Zázrivá called Salaš Syrex. A beautiful wooden chalet is both a restaurant and a shop. In case you’re hungry this is one of the places that will satisfy all your needs.

If you want to buy some souvenirs or bring home something tasty just enter the shop. You will not leave empty-handed. The shop offers all kinds of products made of sheep and goat milk: butter, sour milk or cheese. They are processed in a tiny factory attached to the shop. Apart from their own products they also offer local products such as wine or sausages. A total must!

If you like our post make sure you share it with your friends! We will be happy to hear your suggestions on other things to do in Terchová.

Hans Nuesin

Hello, i have read you site and about Janosikove Diery. This year we go for 2 weeks (August) vacantion to Camping Bela’. We go with our 2 children 16 and 18 y. and 2 people age round 67 years old. We like all to enter caves and small coridors in the mountants. But we like to know if Janosikove Diery is not dangeres for older persons.
Please can you advise me, or give some alternative trips to enjoy.
Thanks in advance. Hans Nuesink – Holland.

Enri & Zuz

Hello Hans, we don’t think it’s dangerous for elderly people. You will see that there are all age categories. However, it can get slippery when it rains or the humidity is high. There are ropes that you can hold on to: Just make sure you wear proper hiking shoes and you should be alright.
In case you’re not convinced, you can take a cable car from Vratna (point 3 of the post) and do a little hiking from the top. The routes aren’t extremely challenging and the view is breathtaking.
In case you are interested in culture and history, check this post about Vlkolinec and other beautiful places.
Let us know if you need more info!